I guess I coulda skipped a Top Ten {Tuesday} today… I mean there are only FOUR more shopping cleaning days till Christmas! I know most of you will be jumping off your computer and into real life this week. But for those of us who carry our laptops around on a chain, I figured a Top Ten linky would be good!
And speaking of online and off-line life, here are the…
Top Ten Online Things That Have Made My IRL Christmas Easier
1. Reindeer Noses
How great is this? The EASIEST teacher-friend-neighbor gift EVER. Just drop some red-green M&Ms into a clear ornament and slap this FREE PRINTABLE tag on it. This is what we gave Lydia and Asa’s teachers at church. Everyone thought they were clever, the kids loved handing them out and I liked it because it only took 20 minutes to make 45 of them from start to finish. (I used clear bags and printed the tag on sticker paper. Here’s my version.)
2. Secret Santa
This is our second year of drawing-a-name with our family. Actually, last year, we didn’t draw a name. We just bought a random gift (a good one, not white elephant) and then did that crazy stealing game. Only no one was crazy and Mama ended up with her own present because she liked it so much.
Anywhoo.
We decided to draw names because I found this cool website that will draw names for you, privately email everyone and keep track from year to year! Plus, you can add wishlists and even restrict who is matched with who. How cool is that?
3. Facebook
Do you know how many messages I have sent out on facebook this month? It’s the easiest way to find someone’s address for Christmas cards. Just message them. Every single person you know at the tip of your fingers! Yesterday I realized I have seven extra cards and updated my status to see who wanted one. Those cards were snapped up right away. OK. Only one person asked. But still. She would have missed out otherwise!
4. 1+1+1=1 Christmas Nativity Pack
This is a little printable pack with some fun games, coloring pages and more. Lydia and Asa have been playing with them all month. We actually used the Joseph and baby Jesus pattern-game to make some cards for the dads in our lives as part of our fun Advent Activities! Aren’t they cute?
5. Amazon Prime
I don’t think I could have done Christmas without Amazon. I just click and buy. I mean, it’s free shipping. That’s like going to the store but NOT PACKING UP TWO KIDS IN WINTER COATS AND CHASING THEM AROUND THE STORE. Plus, Amazon is offering a 3-month subscription for just $30–it’s a perfect gift for anyone–INCLUDING YOURSELF!
I think today is the last day to order and get FREE shipping AND have it delivered by Christmas. How awesome is that?! And I do hope you’ve been clicking to Amazon via your favorite blogger. Hint, hint.
6. Wraparound Labels
I love the Christmas cards I sent out. But one reason I love them has nothing to do with the adorable picture inside. It has everything to do with the label on the outside. I’ve been in love with wrap-around labels for a long time (you can find TONS of them on DIY Wedding blogs or on etsy).
So, I was overjoyed to find these FREE Christmas-y colored ones from A Very Chocolate Life, I knew I had to have them! I printed them off on sticker paper (BEST STUFF EVER) and then cut them with my handy dandy mini paper cutter (SECOND BEST THING EVER). And voila–awesome and adorable envelopes. PLUS–because the return address is on the back, you only have to attach ONE label instead of two. Awesome.
7. Mini Websites
So, there are a couple of little websites out there where you can have your own online-business card of sorts. This is one I created a few years ago–I just slapped the web address on our Christmas card and voila! I don’t know how much you need this with Facebook, but it is kinda fun!
8. Online shopping
I know I’ve mentioned this so many times. But I have loved buying gifts that actually GIVE. I’ve bought gifts from 31bits, FashionABLE, World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, Micro and AziziLife. And buying online? Even better!
9. What online thing has made your Christmas easier?
Melanie says
Thanks for the link! I agree that Flavors.me has some wonky loading issues sometimes. But I LOVE what you’ve done with yours. Excellent idea (and your kids are adorable)! Another option is About.me. It’s been in beta for a while, but went public last week. They were acquired by AOL this week. Anyway, they have similar functions and easier picture sizing. And so far, good loading. Be sure to go over and secure your username!
oh amanda says
Thanks, Melanie! Great idea! 🙂 The good thing is, when I got on flavors.me’s forum, they were QUICK to help me out!
Andrea says
I would definitely have to say Amazon.com. Believe it or not, I’ve never done any on-line shopping (besides Craigslist) before this year!! I know…I’m SO “out of it”.
This year, I stock-piled my swagbucks and went to town. I purchased almost ALL my gifts from Amazon this year!
oh amanda says
SWAGBUCKS! That’s the other part I forgot to mention! That’s what I did Amazon, too!
The B.M.C. Report says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the wraparound labels! What a great, adorable idea. I will be using these on next years cards for sure! 🙂
Betsy (Eco-novice) says
I want the link to the name-drawing site! I know you meant to put a link there. I also LOVE shopping online.
oh amanda says
I actually did link to it in the title—I should have put it in the paragraph, too. It’s just http://secretsanta.com 🙂
Betsy (Eco-novice) says
Thanks! I guess I’m running a little low on brain power or something.
mandi@itscome2this says
Great list! I would say just FB & Twitter & blogs in general … love all the links that people shout out … They do all the research & hard work for me. I just benefit!
Sarah says
That reindeer ornament is too cute! And facebook rocks my Christmas letter world. Seriously. No clue how my cards would have gone out this year without facebook! 🙂
Kristin Cherwinski says
Love your list! I agree… not having to pack up the kids and head out to a store is awesome! Amazon rocked our Christmas purchases as well! YEAH AMAZON!
Catie says
Thank you for these! I haven’t heard of Amazon mom and I LOVE the free printables!!!! God bless and have a Merry Christmas, Amanda! 🙂
Alicia's Homemaking says
Your Christmas card is pretty much the cutest thing ever!! 🙂 So bright and cheery!
Deanne says
I totally would have missed out on your Christmas card, so glad I snapped up the opportunity! 🙂 I can’t wait to see this fabulous wrap around label, I’m very intrigued!
Reindeer noses?? So cute, I’ll have to remember that one for next year for teacher gifts (although, I must say, I still LOVE the gift I gave them this year, not sure if the ‘noses’ can top it or not) 🙂
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alison@ishareprintables says
Thank you for including the ishare site! The envelope wraps are darling! I think I am going to have to try them! Cute pic.
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kosze nastawne says
I usually do not leave a response, however after looking at a few of the responses on Christmas Stuff: Top Ten Tuesday | ohamanda.com. I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it’s okay. Could it be simply me or do some of the comments appear like they are coming from brain dead folks? 😛 And, if you are posting on other online sites, I’d like to keep up with you. Could you post a list of every one of your social networking pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
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